Wristwatch including an integrated pulse oximeter or other modules that sense physiological data

Abstract

A wristwatch includes a case containing electronic components of the wristwatch. An optoelectronic module including at least one light emitting element and at least one light sensing element is disposed within the case or within a fastener for the wristwatch. The optoelectronic module is operable to obtain physiological data of a person wearing the wristwatch by using the light emitting element and the light sensing element.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A wristwatch comprising:
 a case containing electronic components of the wristwatch; 
 a strap connected to the case; 
 a fastener connected to the strap; and 
 an optoelectronic module including at least one light emitting element and at least one light sensing element, the module operable to obtain physiological data of a person wearing the wristwatch by using the at least one light emitting element and the at least one light sensing element, wherein the optoelectronic module is disposed within the fastener. 
 
     
     
       2. The wristwatch of  claim 1  wherein the case further includes a data storage unit mounted therein, wherein the data storage unit is coupled to the optoelectronic module to store physiological data sensed by the optoelectronic module. 
     
     
       3. The wristwatch of  claim 2  wherein the optoelectronic module is coupled to the data storage unit through one or more wires extending through the strap. 
     
     
       4. The wristwatch of  claim 2  wherein the data storage unit includes a wireless transmitter to transmit data to an external data processing or storage unit. 
     
     
       5. The wristwatch of  claim 1  wherein the case includes a data processing unit mounted therein, wherein the data processing unit is coupled to the optoelectronic module to process physiological data sensed by the optoelectronic module. 
     
     
       6. The wristwatch of  claim 5  wherein the data storage unit includes a wireless transmitter to transmit data to an external data processing or storage unit. 
     
     
       7. The wristwatch of  claim 1  wherein the optoelectronic module has width, length and height dimensions on the order of four millimeters or less. 
     
     
       8. The wristwatch of  claim 1  wherein the optoelectronic module has width, length and height dimensions on the order of two millimeters or less. 
     
     
       9. The wristwatch of  claim 1  wherein the optoelectronic module is operable to measure at least one of heart rate or oxygen level of a person wearing the wristwatch. 
     
     
       10. The wristwatch of  claim 1  wherein the optoelectronic module is a pulse oximeter.